Polanski calls for party overhaul

Green party leader Zack Polanski has signalled a potential overhaul of the party's grassroots democracy, calling for leaders to have greater control over strategic direction.

Divisive Zionism motion splits party

The controversy centres on a motion passed by one thousand twenty-two members, representing about zero point four percent of total membership, declaring Zionism a form of racism.

Motion passed despite leadership opposition

The motion passed one thousand twenty-two votes to eight hundred thirteen and was opposed by four of the party's five MPs, prompting criticism from the European Green party.

Polanski admits leadership failings

Writing after his defeat in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, Polanski accepts that colleagues and members may feel let down by his decision not to intervene last week.

“I put all my energy into the race in Holborn and St Pancras, despite Labour choosing the polling date so close to our conference, because I know that ultimately electoral success is how we drive change.”

Polanski questions party defining beliefs

Polanski has questioned whether political parties should seek to define what members believe, saying a narrow focus on definitions is neither desirable nor strategic.

“In my view it's not the job of a political party to tell people what to believe.”

Polanski's complex position on Zionism

Though Polanski agrees with the motion's substance on Zionism, he opposes its call for a single Palestinian state, saying it is not the British government's or Green party's role to decide.

“While many people understandably see the idea of a two-state solution as standing in the way of concrete action to end the unbearable status quo, I believe it is not up to the British government, let alone the Green party, to decide the future for Israelis and Palestinians.”

Structural reform needed for growth

Polanski says the party's rapid growth means democratic structures must evolve, creating wider member engagement while giving leaders more responsibility to set strategic direction.

“Our party democracy must now evolve to meet that, creating wider engagement for members, giving leaders more responsibility to set the party's strategic direction, and making our processes as robust and accessible as possible.”